Allott considers new Latics deal

MARK ALLOTT (left): Back after serving a suspension.

MARK ALLOTT is mulling over a new deal to remain at Boundary Park for another season.

The Athletic midfielder, who is closing in on 100 appearances in his second stint at the club, has been offered a one-year extension to his current contract which runs out in the summer.

The 31-year-old has been one of Athletic’s most consistent performers this season. He has played the most times, 47, and has scored three goals, the pick of which was the stunning effort in the 1-1 draw at Huddersfield Town in January.

Manager Joe Royle is keen to keep Allott on board. He said: “Mark has been remarkably consistent this season.

“He was a young striker when I left here in 1994 and he has matured into a very capable midfield player. There is an offer on the table and we’re hoping to get Mark’s agreement very soon.”

The then manager John Sheridan persuaded Allott to re-sign for Athletic after six years at Chesterfield. He made 183 appearances in his first spell at Athletic, and is expected to play his 98th game following his return nearly two years ago at Brighton tomorrow.

One man who won’t be featuring at the Withdean Stadium for the Coca-Cola League One clash is Steven Kabba.

The on-loan striker, who failed to find the net in eight games, has been told by Royle he is no longer required for the final run-in and has gone back to Watford.

There is a slight concern over Deane Smalley, who is being troubled by a thigh problem.

The young frontman had a work-out with the physio yesterday, but was likely to join up with the first-team squad for a training session today.

If Smalley doesn’t make it, then Chris Taylor will almost certainly partner Lewis Alessandra in attack against Brighton.

Full-back Daniel Jones is available after a serving a one-match ban.

Midfielder Ian Westlake is also in the 17-man squad after missing the Easter double-header with concussion, but Kelvin Lomax has been overlooked despite recovering from a dead leg.

Brighton boss Russell Slade is expected to keep faith with the starting line-up which clinched a vital 1-0 victory at Colchester United on Monday.

That means former Athletic striker Craig Davies will have to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench as the Seagulls continue their quest to avoid relegation.

Athletic (from): Crossley, Fleming, Eardley, Stam, Whitaker, Allott, Hazell, Maher, Gregan, Wolfenden, Taylor, Lee, Jones, Smalley, Alessandra, Black, Westlake.

Brighton (from): Kuipers, Whing, Elphick, Virgo, Borrowdale, Loft, Fraser, Dicker, Cox, Hart, Owusu, El-Abd, McLeod, Hawkins, Davies, Andrew.